Every year 75,000 people suffer from a stroke, yet experts say that the National Health Fund is neglecting stroke patients by not offering free treatment.

Neurology professor Jaroslaw Slawek told Polish Radio, Monday, that people who have suffered a stroke should be able to count on the Fund for support.

The professor, who works at Gdansk Medical University, underlined that many European countries offer rehabilitation support to stroke victims free of charge, while in Poland the National Health Fund (NFZ) deems it “not worthwhile.”

Prof. Slawek stated that the costs of treatment are relatively low, with the treatment of up to 3,000 patients amounting to 0.5 percent of the NFZ’s budget.

The neurologist stated that he has been pressing the NFZ for refundable stroke treatment, but “to no avail.”

Elderly people comprise the biggest risk group for strokes, although around 20 percent of stroke sufferers are people under 50. (jb)

Thenews.pl |